Narcan training session held on International Overdose Awareness Day

Stamford Mayor David Martin held a free Narcan training course at the Government Center Thursday for International Overdose Awareness Day.

Narcan is the drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. Organizers say the free training session was led by Communities for Action and Silver Hill Hospital. They say people were taught how to use Narcan and were given free kits.

Social workers say it's important to train community members, not just people who work in the medical field.

"People normally overdose at home or in the presence of friends," says Ellen Erezovsky, of Silver Hill Hospital. "So it's very important that those folks know how to use Narcan to help save a life even before first responders get there because time is of the essence."

Officials say buying Narcan at a local pharmacy can cost anywhere from $120 to $600.

Organizers at the training session say it's important to not let price get in the way of preventing overdoses. They say anyone interested in getting a free Narcan kit and learning how to use it can call Silver Hill Hospital.

Experts say if you use a Narcan kit on anyone who overdoses, that person still needs to be taken to the hospital immediately.